Mary Kom's Enduring Love Story: A Look at Her Decades-Long Partnership with Onler Kom and Its Recent Conclusion

Dr. M.C. Mary Kom OLY, India's legendary boxer and a six-time AIBA World Women's Boxing Champion, has captivated the world not only with her prowess in the ring but also with her inspiring personal journey. While her career has been marked by unparalleled success and numerous accolades, her romantic life, particularly her long-standing marriage to Karung Onkholer Kom, has been a significant pillar of her life, recently concluding a decades-long chapter.

Mary Kom's romantic journey began in the early 2000s when she first crossed paths with Karung Onkholer Kom, affectionately known as Onler. Their initial meeting in 2000 was rather serendipitous; Mary Kom's luggage was stolen while she was traveling by train to Bangalore, and it was Onler, then a law student at Delhi University and president of the North East students' body, who came to her aid in New Delhi. This initial encounter blossomed into a friendship, which soon evolved into a romantic relationship.

After approximately four years of dating, Mary Kom and Onler Kom decided to formalize their union. They were married in 2005, marking the beginning of a partnership that would endure for nearly two decades. Onler, a former footballer, became a steadfast support system for Mary Kom, often managing her affairs and providing crucial emotional backing as she pursued her illustrious boxing career, even taking a short hiatus after their marriage and the birth of their children.

The couple quickly expanded their family, welcoming twin sons in 2007. Mary Kom famously returned to competitive boxing after giving birth, demonstrating her incredible dedication to both her family and her sport. Their family grew further with the birth of another son in 2013. In 2018, Mary Kom and Onler Kom embraced parenthood once more by adopting a girl named Merilyn, solidifying their family unit.

Throughout their marriage, Onler Kom was a constant presence in Mary Kom's life, often seen by her side at events and supporting her endeavors. Their relationship was publicly known and often highlighted as an example of a strong, supportive partnership in the demanding world of professional sports. Despite the public nature of her career, Mary Kom largely maintained a private stance on the intricate details of her personal life, focusing on her achievements and family.

However, in recent years, the couple faced personal challenges. According to official statements released in April 2025, Mary Kom and Onler Kom had been navigating a difficult period in their personal lives for approximately two years prior to the formal announcement. This challenging phase ultimately led to the decision to part ways, a move handled with mutual respect and in accordance with their community's customs.

The couple officially ended their marriage by mutual consent under Kom customary law on December 20, 2023. This significant step was finalized in the presence of both their family members and community elders, underscoring the traditional and consensual nature of their separation. The news of their divorce became widely public in April 2025, when Mary Kom's legal representatives issued a statement to address growing speculation and rumors.

Following the public confirmation of her divorce, Mary Kom also took the opportunity to address and strongly deny unverified rumors linking her romantically to Hitesh Choudhary. Her official statement clarified that Mr. Choudhary works with her solely in a professional capacity as a business associate and chairman of the Mary Kom Boxing Foundation. She categorically denied any personal or extramarital relationship, emphasizing the baseless nature of such claims.

"Ms. M.C. Mary Kom and Mr. Onkholer (Onler) Kom are no longer married and they have finalized their divorce by mutual consent under KOM CUSTOMARY LAW on December 20, 2023, in the presence of both family members and leaders of the clan as the adjudicating authorities," read the statement issued by her lawyer. It further stated, "The rumours regarding my client’s relationship involvement with Mr. Hitesh Choudhary... are categorically denied and should not be propagated by any media platform."

Mary Kom has since requested privacy during this transitional period, appealing to the public and media to respect her personal space as she navigates this new chapter. While the details surrounding the reasons for their separation remain private, the public confirmation of her divorce from Onler Kom marks a significant shift in the romantic narrative of the celebrated boxer, concluding a long and publicly recognized partnership that spanned nearly two decades and saw the birth and growth of their four children. Mary Kom continues to focus on her professional commitments and personal well-being, moving forward as a single woman.